The Man In The Mirror

I have been faced with some questions regarding my future lately. I have been asking God for direction and courage. Today I found myself. I met Desiree face to face with such mental clarity that I have never had before.
I watched with sorrow and disbelief along with the rest of America to find out that Michael Jackson had passed on. As everyone spoke words, played music and paid homage to the most idealized man in the music industry I examined his life from a spiritual perspective. No one can deny that he was the best in his field.
As I watched I asked myself what made him so great. The answer that came to me was this.
#1- Love – He loved what he did, and he gave it everything that he had. He gave his artistry his entire mind, body, heart and soul.
#2- Practice- He was relentless and determined. Can you imagine how much practice it took to moon walk with such grace and make it look effortless.
#3- GOD- To hear from God and obey takes great courage. Sometimes God will put a picture in our mind of us doing something and we will say “that’s impossible” but I believe that Michael said “OK, show me how to do it”.
I am so grateful for the life of Michael Jackson and I mourn with America and his family.
I look at every situation and ask myself what I can learn from this.
What I know for sure is this has been quite a year and we are only half way through it. The year took off with a bang when we inaugurated our first African American President.

The death of Michael Jackson made us take a good look at his greatness. It has also made me take a look at the man in the mirror. I don’t know about you, but I am so inspired that I feel as though I am going to burst.
I am alive!
I am American!
And I am free to recreate myself in any given moment!
So my personal tribute to the life of MJ is this, when God shows me a picture of my future greatness I will find courage to say “OK God, show me how to do it!
Leighel Desiree

The Makeover

When I was approaching my fiftieth birthday I began to ponder what I would do to celebrate such an amazing event. I thought about the usual things like taking an exotic trip or giving myself a lavish party. Though these things where nice they didn’t quite seem to meet my desire for something as monumental as fifty years of life. I wanted something that would last longer than a day or a week.
Finally it came to me; I would give myself a makeover!
I began searching for my new look. I went through dozens of magazines cutting out just the right items. I went to the store and tried on lots of looks. Once I decided what my new look would be I began to make the new wardrobe.
I played with makeup. I bought all kinds of colors and “new fangled doodads” that I had never tried before. I experimented until I came up with the look that got me lots of compliments.
Then I went to my hair stylist (which is my daughter) Tonika O and we discussed some ideas for a fresh new hairdo for me. We settled on a new color and added lots of curls and a cut.
The excitement of the project got me exercising and walking a lot, so I even dropped a few pounds and toned up.
After some months of pulling it all together I called my favorite photographer and set a date for a photo shoot. We hired a makeup artist for the shoot. I told her the look I was going for and she made it happen. As she did my face she gave me tips for everyday glamour. It was amazing, I felt like a super model!
I am now 54 so this all happened about 4 years ago, and as I am sharing the moments with you I can still feel the vibrant energy that passed through my being as I transformed my look, my spirit, and renewed my mind.
A makeover is about more than outer appearances, it is about how you feel about you!
Leighel Desiree

Once A Diva Always A Diva

During this time of economic strain you may be experiencing some degree of difficulty maintaining your diva status. Well I have come to offer you some tips on not only maintaining your status but consider this, times like this can actually provide an opportunity for improvement. Now, I know that you are already “the bomb” but imagine being able to look better and spend less. No I am not talking about sale hopping, thrift store shopping or purse swapping (I can’t believe people actually do that).
I’m talking about taking the time to plan your wardrobe for the season.
You see, the reason you have a closet jammed full of clothes yet find it so difficult to get dressed in the morning is because of impulse shopping. I know you like it but it’s causing you stress. So take some time now and think about how you want to look this fall. Here is an easy 3 step plan of action to reduce morning stress, ease up on your wallet and maintain diva status.

1. Go to your closet and pull out your favorite items for fall. Think about what you could add to them to take it to a whole new level. For instance you have a fierce grey suit and when you wear it with a pink blouse you get lots of compliments. Well maybe you can add a pair of pink suede boots to the ensemble. Or try a pair of pink slacks to wear with the grey jacket and pink blouse. You get the idea. By adding to what you already have you can spend less and look better.
2. As you are coming up with all of these great ideas to improve your wardrobe, make your shopping list. Because you will not need a lot of things you can buy exactly what you like without it being on sale.
3. Create a budget (yes, I said the “B” word). Decide in advance how much you choose to spend this season. Take time to window shop first. When you know exactly what you want, purchase the items on your list only.
This process will take some discipline but it is well worth the trouble. Try it for one year and you will never impulse shop again. It is so much more fun to go to your closet with joy in your heart and wonder “which fabulous outfit should I wear today?”
If this sounds like too much work you can always call me and I will be happy to do it for you!

Leighel Desiree

Change Has Come!

So you may ask yourself what does our new Presidents mission statement have to do with fashion? Well right now all eyes are on what Michelle Obama is wearing, and everyone has an opinion about it. So here goes mine!

I do not always agree with her choices, sometimes they are not the most flattering to her fantastic figure.

But I love the fact that she does not care what anyone thinks. She has consulted her fashion guru within and wears clothes that make a personal statement about herself. She does not follow the trends, she does not use the ultra big designer names that everyone would expect, and she does not seek to look like any of the stars in Hollywood. Her style reflects a woman that is real and down to earth. When I see her I think "this woman has come to work!" She wears shoes that are comfortable with low to no heels.

I have heard statements about her hair, but to me her hair reflects what the African American woman's hair looks like when she is not obsessed with straightening and lengthening it. She is a real woman and that is her personal statement!

This blog is about women being brave enough to search within to find their own personal style statement. There are style Guru's who are available to assist anyone who desires a guide that can take you to the depths of your soul and bring forward a style that is uniquely your own, as opposed to directing you to what the present trend is.

Are you one of these? Are you brave enough to shop from local designers that carry one of a kind items designed with you in mind? Are you ready to change your state of mind from fashion follower to fashion leader?

I asked one of my clients this question and she said to me " do you mean I can have pants that actually come to my waist?" When I replied yes she was totally elated at the very idea!

So what are the desires of your inner fashionista! Anything at all, let your request be made known. You now have a Genie in a bottle here to deliver your greatest fashion dreams!